Thursday, May 22, 2008
Monday, May 12, 2008
Cooper Hospital- Second 2008 Delivery
Sunday was Mother's Day, and I was finally able to connect with NICU Judy at Cooper Hospital to make a delivery. Yay! It's always great to see her, and Cooper really needed the supplies.
It's sometimes hard to connect, as Judy has recently been on the 7P to 7A shift.
AND Cooper is STILL under construction:
Don't know if you can see it in the 2nd photo, but there's construction fencing in front of the building in progress. That is where the parking WAS. No more. They've taken down the 'Parkade" for a new patient tower.
So, to make a delivery, Judy and I rendez-vous at one of the entrances. It's a little complex in that she needs to let security know, requisition a cart, and have someone cover for her while she leaves the floor.
The cart is a NECESSITY to get the boxes to the NICU; it's in another building, and she has to use a construction access area and two elevators to get back to the NICU.
And so, we (and a nice security guard) meet:
Here's where we get to "The Good Stuff". Absolutely beautiful handmade items:
Amen Blankets and Hats:
Knit and Crochet Blankets:
You'll note that several of these have matching hats (attached with white ribbon).
Baby Cases:
Hand-Knotted Quilts:
And this poor box, which got all mixed up on the ride to Cooper. (The Turnpike will do that to you, sometimes!) Hats, wipes, bibs, etc.
And here's Judy, wheeling the boxes in the door. You can't see the Security Guy in this one, but he's a really big guy in a uniform. I think he could eat my car if he really wanted to.
Oh, and did I mention it's 4 in the morning? Which would explain why some of the photos are a bit dark, no? Needless to say, it was a quick delivery, as Judy had to get back to the floor, and I was looking forward to a little shut-eye.
We have two more Cooper Deliveries planned for 2008. Dates are still to be determined. :)
It's sometimes hard to connect, as Judy has recently been on the 7P to 7A shift.
AND Cooper is STILL under construction:
Don't know if you can see it in the 2nd photo, but there's construction fencing in front of the building in progress. That is where the parking WAS. No more. They've taken down the 'Parkade" for a new patient tower.
So, to make a delivery, Judy and I rendez-vous at one of the entrances. It's a little complex in that she needs to let security know, requisition a cart, and have someone cover for her while she leaves the floor.
The cart is a NECESSITY to get the boxes to the NICU; it's in another building, and she has to use a construction access area and two elevators to get back to the NICU.
And so, we (and a nice security guard) meet:
Here's where we get to "The Good Stuff". Absolutely beautiful handmade items:
Amen Blankets and Hats:
Knit and Crochet Blankets:
You'll note that several of these have matching hats (attached with white ribbon).
Baby Cases:
Hand-Knotted Quilts:
And this poor box, which got all mixed up on the ride to Cooper. (The Turnpike will do that to you, sometimes!) Hats, wipes, bibs, etc.
And here's Judy, wheeling the boxes in the door. You can't see the Security Guy in this one, but he's a really big guy in a uniform. I think he could eat my car if he really wanted to.
Oh, and did I mention it's 4 in the morning? Which would explain why some of the photos are a bit dark, no? Needless to say, it was a quick delivery, as Judy had to get back to the floor, and I was looking forward to a little shut-eye.
We have two more Cooper Deliveries planned for 2008. Dates are still to be determined. :)
Thursday, April 10, 2008
San Francisco
How do I love thee? Let me count the ways...
I love the neon:
And the murals:
The food:
The Shopping:
I love the neon:
And the murals:
The food:
The Shopping:
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
What?
I'm sure the rest of the Free World has seen these a thousand times already.
Yesterday's news, but the kiddos are just loving 'em:
And this little number, which one finds themself inexplicably singing in the shower:
On the whole, I'm not big into the whole "Do Things With Cats" Motif.
We HAVE a cat, but he's not into the whole "Do Things With Cats" Motif either.
A little yarn eating, sure. Maybe he'll let you take his picture when he's 75% asleep in a pile of Fun Fur novelty yarn. Beyond that, you're outta luck.
That said, I think these are pretty nifty. Someone has a little electrical firing in the brain, whips up a video, and thousands of people are watching it every day.
Ain't the "inner-nets" wunnerful?
Monday, March 24, 2008
Spring Has Sprung
This post is low on text, high on colorful images.
First, a little something floral:
And next, a little something sewn:
YES, the seams are straight. It's lying on the bed funny! The "Seam Police" may re-sheath their stitch rippers!
First, a little something floral:
And next, a little something sewn:
YES, the seams are straight. It's lying on the bed funny! The "Seam Police" may re-sheath their stitch rippers!
Sunday, March 23, 2008
Spring Baskets
A project that the kids can help with, if you don't mind potting soil ALL over the house!
These work best if you start about a week BEFORE you want to present them. AND if you remember to get the supplies ahead of time.
The 'seedy things' are wheat berries.
In a few days, you'll either have Mold-A-Rama
(Kids, Make Your Own Penicillin!)
OR
a lovely green mess of sprouts. Take the plastic off.
(Some folks like to eat or make 'wheatgrass juice' from the sprouts.)
Once it gets started, the grass grows like wildfire. Kids like to 'cut the lawn' with scissors. They also like watering it. Remind them that it's only a Ziploc in there, not a Pool Liner!
Eventually, it starts to peter out, and you either have to transplant it into the yarn, or allow it to expire, and toss it in your composter.
This year, we decided to add a daffodil to each pot, since we started late, and wouldn't have any grass when they were delivered.
By the time the daffodil's done, the grass will be in full swing. The bulb can be saved and planted out in the yard to bloom next year.
Most of ours will be given to folks who celebrate Easter, so we popped in a little 'decorative pick'
These work best if you start about a week BEFORE you want to present them. AND if you remember to get the supplies ahead of time.
The 'seedy things' are wheat berries.
- Right before the project, soak the 'berries' for 8-12 hours & keep them damp.
- Take a festive container, and line it with a Ziploc.
- Pour some potting mixture in and dampen it.
- Spread a thick layer of the damp wheat berries on top.
- Trim any excess Ziploc away.
- Cover with plastic wrap~ Yep, like a little greenhouse.
- Trim the excess, if any.
- Put it in a nice sunny window, and check it daily.
In a few days, you'll either have Mold-A-Rama
(Kids, Make Your Own Penicillin!)
OR
a lovely green mess of sprouts. Take the plastic off.
(Some folks like to eat or make 'wheatgrass juice' from the sprouts.)
Once it gets started, the grass grows like wildfire. Kids like to 'cut the lawn' with scissors. They also like watering it. Remind them that it's only a Ziploc in there, not a Pool Liner!
Eventually, it starts to peter out, and you either have to transplant it into the yarn, or allow it to expire, and toss it in your composter.
This year, we decided to add a daffodil to each pot, since we started late, and wouldn't have any grass when they were delivered.
By the time the daffodil's done, the grass will be in full swing. The bulb can be saved and planted out in the yard to bloom next year.
Most of ours will be given to folks who celebrate Easter, so we popped in a little 'decorative pick'
Happy Spring, and WIP's
Happy Spring and/or Holiday of Your Choice. You pick the holiday, I'll wish you the appropriate Good Tidings. :)
For those who care, it's the Earliest Easter Ever, and My Hottie Chiropractor's Birthday.
Next year, his birthday will be the same, but Easter won't be this early again until I run out of yarn. Which of course, would be the End of the World As We Know It....
Yeah, you knew that was coming.
1. Still collecting UFO's from various and sundry locations around the house.
2. Still dreading weaving in all those ends.
3. Just finished the Easter/Spring Baskets for those who are near-and-dear to us.
4. Working on some paperwork for Ginden for the April Cooper Project.
Care for a peek at the Spring Baskets?
Between the beginning and end of this project, it appears that DS took a variety of self-portraits with the camera.
Including THIS little gem:
which has orthodontists dialing up their Porsche dealers to have a copy of the 2009 catalog set aside for them.
NOTE TO CHILD: LEAVE MAH STUFF ALONE!
Or else! Tee hee!
There are also several unflattering views of my posterior, which shall remain unseen for all eternity. MOVING RIGHT ALONG...
For those who care, it's the Earliest Easter Ever, and My Hottie Chiropractor's Birthday.
Next year, his birthday will be the same, but Easter won't be this early again until I run out of yarn. Which of course, would be the End of the World As We Know It....
Yeah, you knew that was coming.
1. Still collecting UFO's from various and sundry locations around the house.
2. Still dreading weaving in all those ends.
3. Just finished the Easter/Spring Baskets for those who are near-and-dear to us.
4. Working on some paperwork for Ginden for the April Cooper Project.
Care for a peek at the Spring Baskets?
Between the beginning and end of this project, it appears that DS took a variety of self-portraits with the camera.
Including THIS little gem:
which has orthodontists dialing up their Porsche dealers to have a copy of the 2009 catalog set aside for them.
NOTE TO CHILD: LEAVE MAH STUFF ALONE!
Or else! Tee hee!
There are also several unflattering views of my posterior, which shall remain unseen for all eternity. MOVING RIGHT ALONG...
Art Links-Later
First, as promised, the link of the Quilt Squares Lady: LovingFabric on ebay
Second, a link to The "Lissa Explains It All" site. Desgined for kids; works for me!
Second, a link to The "Lissa Explains It All" site. Desgined for kids; works for me!
Saturday, March 22, 2008
Miscellaneous Projects in the Works
Just when I thought that ALL of the fabric had been assigned to a task.... another bag shows up in the garage.
I'm seriously starting to think that there's a Magic Something-Or-Other in there that spontaneously GROWS fabric.
There were actually a few things in there that I've been looking for.
Like THIS:
I bought some pre-cut squares on ebay, and this was a 'test square' I whipped up very late one night.
All right, quit staring at the seams and trying to 'mind meld' them into being straight! Ain't happenin'. I already tried.
I know, somewhere, a quilting perfectionist is reaching for her smelling salts. I SAID it was a Test Square, didn't I?
The remainder of the squares from this group has been pieced very nicely. (Mom even admired my seams, so you know they have to be good.)
Now that I have them together (photos later) I'd like to make the quilt a little bigger.
I e-mailed the seller, and although she didn't have this exact colorway at the moment, she was kind enough to list several similar ones. (If she gives permission, I'll post a link to her auctions here.)
It's really neat to get the pre-cut squares in the mail. You just open the package, whip 'em out onto the coffee table, and then zip 'em together with the serger. Much more fun than having to wash & cut them yourself.
The other project is to gather all my Knitting UFO's and put them in ONE basket. To be followed by finding a really good movie, and finishing them all.
There are ears to be sewn on Teddy Bear hats, sweaters to be blocked, and Endless Ends To Be Woven In. (Is that a Country Music Song?)
Which brings us to this little number:
Can anyone identify this little sockie? I think the pattern was something that many people were doing on AC4C.
When it's a sock, I always tend to think Beth is involved. (Beth's been known to make a nice sock or two.)
It was probably something along the lines of: "If you've never knit a sock before, try this, it's addictive!"
In any case, this little one is knit in the round, and was found without any needles or instructions. I think that might be called a 'Short Rows Heel'? It's about a 3-year-old size.
Any suggestions/ideas welcomed.
I'm seriously starting to think that there's a Magic Something-Or-Other in there that spontaneously GROWS fabric.
There were actually a few things in there that I've been looking for.
Like THIS:
I bought some pre-cut squares on ebay, and this was a 'test square' I whipped up very late one night.
All right, quit staring at the seams and trying to 'mind meld' them into being straight! Ain't happenin'. I already tried.
I know, somewhere, a quilting perfectionist is reaching for her smelling salts. I SAID it was a Test Square, didn't I?
The remainder of the squares from this group has been pieced very nicely. (Mom even admired my seams, so you know they have to be good.)
Now that I have them together (photos later) I'd like to make the quilt a little bigger.
I e-mailed the seller, and although she didn't have this exact colorway at the moment, she was kind enough to list several similar ones. (If she gives permission, I'll post a link to her auctions here.)
It's really neat to get the pre-cut squares in the mail. You just open the package, whip 'em out onto the coffee table, and then zip 'em together with the serger. Much more fun than having to wash & cut them yourself.
The other project is to gather all my Knitting UFO's and put them in ONE basket. To be followed by finding a really good movie, and finishing them all.
There are ears to be sewn on Teddy Bear hats, sweaters to be blocked, and Endless Ends To Be Woven In. (Is that a Country Music Song?)
Which brings us to this little number:
Can anyone identify this little sockie? I think the pattern was something that many people were doing on AC4C.
When it's a sock, I always tend to think Beth is involved. (Beth's been known to make a nice sock or two.)
It was probably something along the lines of: "If you've never knit a sock before, try this, it's addictive!"
In any case, this little one is knit in the round, and was found without any needles or instructions. I think that might be called a 'Short Rows Heel'? It's about a 3-year-old size.
Any suggestions/ideas welcomed.
Monday, March 17, 2008
No News Is Good News
No posts lately, but I have been busy.
First, a trifecta of hats:
These are made from Lang Bebe Jacquard yarn. Bought on sale (of course) for $2 per skein.
It comes in a small 50g bag, and the yarn 'feeds' out the top of the bag. No need to re-skein, no tangles. And, it self-stripes. It's Superwash wool, probably about 'sock weight'.
See it in greater detail here: (Click to enlarge)
On the AC4C List, I was one of the prize winners for Sam's January Project. The prize was a lovely assortment of Bernat Yarns ("Baby Softee" and 'Baby"). Mom immediately scooped up this yarn and went to work.
Hats:
"Amen" Blanket:
And here, a few hats in WOOL for BJ's May Project:
Some homemade bread. If it had any more fiber in it, you could KNIT it:
First, a trifecta of hats:
These are made from Lang Bebe Jacquard yarn. Bought on sale (of course) for $2 per skein.
It comes in a small 50g bag, and the yarn 'feeds' out the top of the bag. No need to re-skein, no tangles. And, it self-stripes. It's Superwash wool, probably about 'sock weight'.
See it in greater detail here: (Click to enlarge)
On the AC4C List, I was one of the prize winners for Sam's January Project. The prize was a lovely assortment of Bernat Yarns ("Baby Softee" and 'Baby"). Mom immediately scooped up this yarn and went to work.
Hats:
"Amen" Blanket:
And here, a few hats in WOOL for BJ's May Project:
Some homemade bread. If it had any more fiber in it, you could KNIT it:
Sunday, February 10, 2008
The Infamous "SIDEWAYS HAT"
HUGE DISCLAIMER:
I got this data as a photocopy of a photocopy of a hand written document. It only gives the "30 or 35 stitches" and "35 ridges" information. No credit is given as to who did the math.
The iteration you see below is my 'translation' of that data into a 'pattern'.
SIDEWAYS HAT “RECIPE”
• The “Recipe” doesn’t have too many specifics. You’re trying to knit a garter stitch rectangle.
• Cast on some stitches and start knitting. I usually do 30 or 35 stitches on a size 10 needle. (I knit tight.)
• Knit until you have at least 35 ridges. Not “rows’. RIDGES.
Time to test:
• Hold the rectangle so that the ridges are going up & down
(Some would probably say “hold it sideways”.)
• Fold up the bottom a little (see photo). Does it look roughly as big as any baby hat you have ever knit?
• If “YES”, then bind off loosely.
• Hold the hat so that the ridges are going up & down.
• Run a piece of yarn through the “top” of the hat to pull it closed. Fasten SECURELY. I usually leave a little extra yarn at the cast on edge, and use that piece since it’s already hanging there.
~~DO NOT use that piece to sew the side seam. No matter how tight you THINK it is, it WILL come loose and you'll have a 'hole' in the top of the hat.~~
[ I fiddled with the color on this photo in the hopes that y'all can get a better look...]
• Now sew the cast-on and cast-off edges together. Or ‘sew the back seam”, whichever you prefer to call it. Weave in ends.
• Fold the bottom of the hat up to form the brim.
Cute, eh? And VERY stretchy.
TIPS:
• Use whatever needle size you need to get a suitable material. The stitches should be loose enough for the piece to be flexible. Not tight like a kitchen scrubby, not loose enough to be ‘mesh’.
• If you can put your fingers through the holes, it’s knit too loose. If you can’t fold it, it’s too tight.
• Try to match the yarn with the intended use of the hat. If it’s for a preemie, you won’t want to use a thick wool.
• For preemie hats, you can use the SAME number of RIDGES, but a few LESS stitches. (Try 25 or 30?)
• Remember, it’s a ‘recipe”, not a pattern. You have to knit up a ~sample~ and see what happens.
This is NOT a ‘gauge swatch”, it’s a ~sample~. Like licking the bowl to see how your recipe is turning out.
I got this data as a photocopy of a photocopy of a hand written document. It only gives the "30 or 35 stitches" and "35 ridges" information. No credit is given as to who did the math.
The iteration you see below is my 'translation' of that data into a 'pattern'.
SIDEWAYS HAT “RECIPE”
• The “Recipe” doesn’t have too many specifics. You’re trying to knit a garter stitch rectangle.
• Cast on some stitches and start knitting. I usually do 30 or 35 stitches on a size 10 needle. (I knit tight.)
• Knit until you have at least 35 ridges. Not “rows’. RIDGES.
Time to test:
• Hold the rectangle so that the ridges are going up & down
(Some would probably say “hold it sideways”.)
• Fold up the bottom a little (see photo). Does it look roughly as big as any baby hat you have ever knit?
• If “YES”, then bind off loosely.
• Hold the hat so that the ridges are going up & down.
• Run a piece of yarn through the “top” of the hat to pull it closed. Fasten SECURELY. I usually leave a little extra yarn at the cast on edge, and use that piece since it’s already hanging there.
~~DO NOT use that piece to sew the side seam. No matter how tight you THINK it is, it WILL come loose and you'll have a 'hole' in the top of the hat.~~
[ I fiddled with the color on this photo in the hopes that y'all can get a better look...]
• Now sew the cast-on and cast-off edges together. Or ‘sew the back seam”, whichever you prefer to call it. Weave in ends.
• Fold the bottom of the hat up to form the brim.
Cute, eh? And VERY stretchy.
TIPS:
• Use whatever needle size you need to get a suitable material. The stitches should be loose enough for the piece to be flexible. Not tight like a kitchen scrubby, not loose enough to be ‘mesh’.
• If you can put your fingers through the holes, it’s knit too loose. If you can’t fold it, it’s too tight.
• Try to match the yarn with the intended use of the hat. If it’s for a preemie, you won’t want to use a thick wool.
• For preemie hats, you can use the SAME number of RIDGES, but a few LESS stitches. (Try 25 or 30?)
• Remember, it’s a ‘recipe”, not a pattern. You have to knit up a ~sample~ and see what happens.
This is NOT a ‘gauge swatch”, it’s a ~sample~. Like licking the bowl to see how your recipe is turning out.
Friday, February 8, 2008
WIP's (Works in Progress)
OK... we have one of THESE:
Any ideas what this will end up being? C'mon... take a guess!
And a little one of THESE:
NO, it's a REALLY LITTLE one. See the quarter?
Now I have to figure out what size hat will go with it.
Any ideas what this will end up being? C'mon... take a guess!
And a little one of THESE:
NO, it's a REALLY LITTLE one. See the quarter?
Now I have to figure out what size hat will go with it.
Monday, January 28, 2008
Cooper Hospital Delivery
Made a quick delivery to Cooper Hospital over the weekend, as they were OUT of hats & blankets.
Cooper Hospital was lucky enough to be chosen as AC4C's April Project, and the Project Coordinator, Ginden, has set up a web site here.
The NICU is a Level III facility, featuring 25 Intensive care beds, two isolation nurseries, and a nine bed transitional nursery. It is usually full. If you have a few minutes and a lovely soft ball of yarn, please consider whipping them up a few hats.
A few quick photos of the 'goodies'. It's a nice selection of hats, blankets, and even some 'Amen Blankets' (fetal demise). You can click any of the photos to get a better peek:
Cooper Hospital was lucky enough to be chosen as AC4C's April Project, and the Project Coordinator, Ginden, has set up a web site here.
The NICU is a Level III facility, featuring 25 Intensive care beds, two isolation nurseries, and a nine bed transitional nursery. It is usually full. If you have a few minutes and a lovely soft ball of yarn, please consider whipping them up a few hats.
A few quick photos of the 'goodies'. It's a nice selection of hats, blankets, and even some 'Amen Blankets' (fetal demise). You can click any of the photos to get a better peek:
Monday, January 7, 2008
A Wee Bit O'Sweater Modification
The September Project for AC4C is the Guideposts Sweater Project.
They're specific that they want everyone to knit one of THEIR patterns so that when they deliver the sweaters, the kids are all getting the SAME sweater. Anyone who has had to deal with more than one child at a time for any reason knows that that makes perfect sense.
However, all that garter stitch can make one a little nutty. And who likes seaming?
The "10th Anniversary" version of the sweater has a stockinette body, and I've been knitting that in the round.
Sure, theoretically it's the same as doing 'all garter stitch', but if you use a variegated yarn, you can PRETEND, right?
The top is still done in garter stitch, and the finished sweater matches the schemata and sews up with a few less seams.
Here's one side done, and the second side waiting to be picked up:
They're specific that they want everyone to knit one of THEIR patterns so that when they deliver the sweaters, the kids are all getting the SAME sweater. Anyone who has had to deal with more than one child at a time for any reason knows that that makes perfect sense.
However, all that garter stitch can make one a little nutty. And who likes seaming?
The "10th Anniversary" version of the sweater has a stockinette body, and I've been knitting that in the round.
Sure, theoretically it's the same as doing 'all garter stitch', but if you use a variegated yarn, you can PRETEND, right?
The top is still done in garter stitch, and the finished sweater matches the schemata and sews up with a few less seams.
Here's one side done, and the second side waiting to be picked up:
Thursday, January 3, 2008
Bonus Fiber Content !
We had passes to take the kids to the Crayola Factory in Easton, PA (Thanks Mom & Dad!). 
They share the space with the National Canal Museum.
There's a small room across from the admissions area that recognizes the area's fiber heritage. Some of these are hands-on displays for kids, including one where you can twist four strands into a "S" or "Z" twist.
A second looks a little like a cage, and kids take long 'noodles' (made of cotton filled with fiberfill) and thread them through the 'bars' as if they're weaving.
There's also a LOOM (Please Do Not Touch!):
And a display where you can spin the wheel and see magnifications of different fiber types:
The entire building has FOUR floors. THREE of which are 'Canal Museum'.
The Crayola Factory is only one floor. More crayons in one place than most people suck up in their vacuum in a lifetime!
Also, lots of small people running around with marker all over themselves. The kids thought it was great.
They had the "Hall of Fame" where they show the 'Retired Colors" and the 100 Billionth Crayon, which was molded by "Mr. Rogers".
It was a little 'commercial', but then again, I remember 'back in the day', when we went to the Actual Factory for a tour, and the waiting list was over 2 years long at one point. Heck, you could step in some wax and trail it around all day!
They share the space with the National Canal Museum.
There's a small room across from the admissions area that recognizes the area's fiber heritage. Some of these are hands-on displays for kids, including one where you can twist four strands into a "S" or "Z" twist.
A second looks a little like a cage, and kids take long 'noodles' (made of cotton filled with fiberfill) and thread them through the 'bars' as if they're weaving.
There's also a LOOM (Please Do Not Touch!):
And a display where you can spin the wheel and see magnifications of different fiber types:
The entire building has FOUR floors. THREE of which are 'Canal Museum'.
The Crayola Factory is only one floor. More crayons in one place than most people suck up in their vacuum in a lifetime!
Also, lots of small people running around with marker all over themselves. The kids thought it was great.
They had the "Hall of Fame" where they show the 'Retired Colors" and the 100 Billionth Crayon, which was molded by "Mr. Rogers".
It was a little 'commercial', but then again, I remember 'back in the day', when we went to the Actual Factory for a tour, and the waiting list was over 2 years long at one point. Heck, you could step in some wax and trail it around all day!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
